MARKET CONSOLIDATION - THE KEY TO THE FUTURE

Widespread consolidation among leading constituents in the market ... constant changes in Medicare programs and reimbursement schedules ... the evolution of managed care as a major market force ... These megatr ends have thrown the eyecare industry into a turbulent revolution, one that has created much instability in the marketplace. These trends ar e greatly impacting the way ophthalmologists and optometrists conduct their business. By consolidating their practices on a local level (for ming fully integrated practices [FIPs]), enterprising ophthalmologists and optometrists can take charge of their destiny without the interve ntion of outside organizations.